Reports: Manchester United close to sealing £46m deal for Benfica’s Renato Sanches
Highly rated youngster Renato Sanches has been continuously linked with a move to Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder is just 18 years old and he has already been capturing everyone's attentions with his eye-catching performances.
Many reports claimed that Manchester United already had a deal to get this Portuguese starlet to Old Trafford, however, Benfica denied all these claims saying that they wanted to keep Sanches for the foreseeable future.
After the international break in November 2015, Sanches signed a new contract with Benfica until 2021, with a release clause reportedly set at €60 million.
Manchester United are hoping to pay the huge fee over a period of four years in a deal similar to the one that bought Anthony Martial to Old Trafford. Manchester United are not the only ones interested in securing his services with a host of European giants such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City keeping tabs on the talented youngster.
United, however, feel that they are in pole position to sign the Benfica youngster with reports claiming that a gentleman’s agreement is already in place.
The 18-year old Portuguese youngster has already become a key member of Benfica’s midfield despite making his debut only in October. He has since gone on to make 28 more appearances, including 5 in the Champions League. Sanches also made his debut for his national side last month.
Sir Alex Ferguson a huge admirer of Renato Sanches
Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager and now club director, is an admirer of Sanches and has recommended he be signed, as have United’s highest-ranking scouts who have seen Sanches play time and time again this season.
The signing of Sanches might freshen up United’s ageing midfield. With their long-serving midfielder Michael Carrick already 35 and German captain Bastian Schweinsteiger suffering from form and fitness concerns, Sanches might just be the signing to galvanise and energise Manchester United's midfield.
The Portuguese youngster might win the League title in his first season for Benfica. Benfica have 79 points, a two point lead from Sporting Lisbon, with only Guimaraes, Maritimo and Nacional to play.
His energy, drive and incisive passing have really helped Benfica reinvigorate their season and he might just be the box-to -box midfielder Manchester United need to change their fortunes.
Manchester United have never hesitated to spend on talented youngsters and Renato Sanches might just become the latest high-profile teenager to make a big money move to Old Trafford